Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

A colostomy bag is a big change for people with serious bowel problems. These can be diseases, injuries, or birth defects that make part of the colon or rectum not work right.Learn why do people have a colostomy bag, common causes, and when ostomy surgery is required.

There are many reasons why someone might need ostomy surgery. These include colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, diverticulitis, injuries to the abdomen, some birth defects, and severe blockages in the bowel.

Knowing why someone might need this surgery can help them get ready and deal with it. Liv Hospital is dedicated to top-notch care. They make sure patients get the best support and treatment every step of the way.

Key Takeaways

• Colorectal cancer is a big reason for colostomy bags.
• Inflammatory bowel diseases can lead to the need for ostomy surgery.
• Diverticulitis and injuries to the abdomen are also causes.
• Certain birth defects can require a colostomy bag.
• Severe bowel obstructions may also lead to ostomy surgery.

Understanding Colostomy Bags and Stomas

A colostomy bag is needed when the colon or rectum doesn’t work right. This device helps people who have had ostomy surgery manage their waste.

What is a Colostomy Bag?

A colostomy bag, or ostomy pouch, is a device attached to the body to collect waste. It’s for people with conditions like colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.

These bags are made to be discreet and secure. They let people live their lives without much interruption. Today’s bags have filters to reduce odor and are soft on the skin.

The Creation and Function of a Stoma

A stoma is a surgically made opening in the abdomen. It lets waste from the intestine go outside the body. To make a stoma, a part of the intestine is brought to the abdomen’s surface and sewn in place.

The stoma is key in ostomy surgery. It lets waste leave the body when the usual way is blocked. Stomas are usually on the lower abdomen and are about 1-2 inches wide.

“The stoma is a vital part of the ostomy procedure, enabling patients to maintain a level of normalcy in their lives despite significant health challenges.” –

A healthcare professional

The stoma’s job is to send waste to a colostomy bag. This bag is then emptied or changed as needed. Taking good care of the stoma is important to avoid problems and keep the person healthy.

The Normal Digestive Process vs. Compromised Function

It’s important to know how the colon and rectum work to understand why some people need a colostomy bag. The digestive system is complex, with the colon and rectum key in getting rid of waste.

How the Colon and Rectum Normally Work

The colon, or large intestine, absorbs water and salts from waste. The rectum holds feces until they are passed out through the anus. This is thanks to muscles in the intestinal wall and nerves that control them.

Normally, the colon and rectum work together to get rid of waste. The colon’s muscles push waste towards the rectum. The rectum then holds it until it’s time to pass it out.

When Natural Waste Elimination Becomes Impossible

But, some conditions can stop this process. Diseases or injuries can harm the colon or rectum, making a colostomy bag necessary. For example, colorectal cancer, Crohn’s disease, or injuries can cause this need.

If waste can’t go out the usual way, surgeons might do an ostomy surgery. They make a stoma on the abdomen and attach a bag to collect waste. Whether it’s temporary or permanent depends on the cause and damage.

Colorectal Cancer: A Primary Reason for Colostomy Surgery

Colorectal cancer can change how the bowel works, often needing a colostomy. This cancer affects the colon or rectum and is common worldwide. It can block the bowel or cause other problems that need surgery.

Bowel Function Impact

Colorectal cancer can block waste flow in the colon or rectum. Tumors can narrow the passageway, causing constipation or obstruction. Sometimes, removing part of the colon or rectum is needed.

If the cancer is far along or in a hard-to-reach spot, a colostomy might be the best choice. This ensures waste is properly removed.

Other symptoms like pain, changes in bowel habits, and bleeding can also occur. These symptoms can really affect a person’s life, showing the need for good treatment.

Surgical Approaches

Surgery for colorectal cancer depends on the cancer’s stage and location, and the patient’s health. Colectomy, removing part or all of the colon, is often used. For rectal cancer, low anterior resection or abdominoperineal resection might be done.

These surgeries aim to remove the cancer while keeping as much bowel function as possible. Sometimes, a colostomy is needed if the cancer is advanced or in a hard spot.

A colostomy involves bringing the colon to the abdomen’s surface. A stoma is created for waste. The choice to have a colostomy depends on the disease’s extent and the chance of restoring bowel function.

It’s important for patients to know about surgical options for colorectal cancer. Talking with healthcare providers helps understand the benefits and risks of each procedure. This includes the possibility of needing an ostomy bag.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Ostomy Surgery

Chronic inflammation in the digestive tract is common in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. This can lead to complications that require ostomy procedures. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) cause a lot of discomfort and can lead to severe problems if not managed well.

IBD includes a range of disorders that cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. The two main types are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both can lead to the need for ostomy surgery due to complications.

Crohn’s Disease Complications

Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. It causes inflammation that can lead to complications like narrowing of the intestine (stricture), fistulas, and abscesses. In severe cases, these complications may require surgical intervention, including the creation of an ostomy.

The decision to have ostomy surgery due to Crohn’s disease is made when other treatments fail. Ostomy surgery can provide relief from debilitating symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with severe Crohn’s disease.

Ulcerative Colitis and Colectomy

Ulcerative colitis is a form of IBD that affects the colon. It causes chronic inflammation and ulcers in the inner lining of the colon. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding. In severe cases, the condition may require surgical removal of the colon (colectomy), leading to the need for a permanent ostomy.

A colectomy is considered for individuals with ulcerative colitis when medical therapy fails or when there are complications such as dysplasia or cancer. The surgery involves removing the entire colon. In some cases, an ileal pouch or an ostomy is created.

Diverticulitis: When Inflammation Leads to Ostomy

Diverticulitis is a condition where the diverticula in the colon get inflamed. This can lead to severe problems that might need ostomy surgery. Diverticula are small pouches in the colon wall. When they get inflamed or infected, it’s called diverticulitis.

This condition can vary from mild to severe. It’s important to know the difference between acute and chronic diverticular disease. This helps decide the best treatment.

Acute vs. Chronic Diverticular Disease

Acute diverticulitis is sudden inflammation in the diverticula. It causes severe pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits. Chronic diverticulitis has recurring inflammation over time.

Acute diverticulitis needs quick medical help because of risks like abscesses, perforation, or bleeding. Chronic diverticulitis might cause long-term bowel changes and stricture formation.

Complications Requiring Surgical Intervention

Some cases of diverticulitis are treated with antibiotics and diet changes. But, some complications need surgery. These include recurring diverticulitis, significant bleeding, abscesses, or perforation causing peritonitis.

• Recurring diverticulitis that doesn’t respond to treatment
• Complications like abscesses or fistulae
• Perforation of the colon causing peritonitis
• Significant or recurring bleeding from the diverticula

In severe cases, removing the affected colon part might be needed. This could lead to an ostomy. The decision for ostomy surgery depends on the disease extent and the patient’s health.

It’s key for patients and doctors to understand diverticulitis complications and surgery’s role. Early recognition and treatment can help manage the condition well. This reduces the risk of severe problems.

Traumatic Abdominal Injuries Necessitating Emergency Colostomy

Abdominal trauma can lead to the need for an emergency colostomy. This trauma can damage the colon and surrounding tissues. It requires immediate surgery.

Penetrating Trauma to the Abdomen

Penetrating trauma, like gunshot or stab wounds, can severely damage the abdominal organs. The colon is often injured, leading to a high risk of infection. Emergency surgery is essential to prevent further complications.

Common causes of penetrating trauma include:

• Gunshot wounds
• Stab wounds
• Other sharp object injuries

In such cases, an emergency colostomy may be performed. It diverts fecal matter away from the injured area, helping it to heal.

Blunt Force Injuries Affecting the Colon

Blunt force trauma, such as from a car accident or a fall, can also harm the colon. The impact can rupture or severely damage the colon. This often requires an emergency colostomy.

The severity of blunt force trauma can vary, but it often results in:

• Colon rupture
• Internal bleeding
• Damage to surrounding tissues

The table below highlights the differences between penetrating and blunt trauma leading to emergency colostomy:

Understanding the causes and consequences of traumatic abdominal injuries is key. It helps us appreciate why some individuals need emergency colostomy surgery. Recognizing the severity and types of trauma leading to colostomy helps us better address their needs.

Congenital Abnormalities and Birth Defects

Congenital abnormalities often lead to the need for colostomy surgery in babies and kids. These issues, present at birth, can seriously affect the digestive system. Sometimes, surgery is needed to fix these problems.

Imperforate Anus and Other Anorectal Malformations

Imperforate anus is a condition where the anus is either missing or in the wrong place. It’s a type of anorectal malformation that can be quite severe. A colostomy might be needed to help the area heal after surgery.

Other anorectal malformations include rectourethral fistulas in boys and rectovestibular fistulas in girls. These are abnormal connections between the rectum and the urinary or reproductive system. They can cause serious problems that might need ostomy surgery.

Hirschsprung’s Disease

Hirschsprung’s disease affects the large intestine and is caused by missing ganglion cells in the colon and rectum. This leads to a blockage because the affected area can’t relax and pass stool. It causes severe constipation or intestinal blockage.

To treat Hirschsprung’s disease, the affected part of the colon is removed and the rest is reconnected to the anus. Sometimes, a temporary colostomy is needed to clear the blockage and let the colon heal.

It’s important for families and doctors to understand these conditions and their treatments. While a colostomy can be tough, it’s often a key step towards fixing the problem. It helps improve the person’s quality of life.

Severe Bowel Obstructions and Resulting Complications

Severe bowel obstructions are a major reason for needing ostomy surgery. These obstructions block the flow of intestinal contents. This can cause serious problems like ischemia, necrosis, and perforation, which are life-threatening if not treated quickly.

Causes of Mechanical Obstruction

Mechanical obstructions are physical blockages in the intestine. Common causes include:

• Adhesions: Bands of fibrous tissue that can form between loops of the intestine or between the intestine and other organs, often as a result of previous surgeries.
• Hernias: Protrusions of intestine through weakened areas in the abdominal wall.
• Tumors: Growths that can physically block the intestine.
• Foreign bodies: Objects that are swallowed or inserted into the rectum.

These obstructions can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal distension. If not treated, they can lead to more severe complications.

Volvulus and Intestinal Torsion

A volvulus is a specific type of bowel obstruction where a loop of intestine twists around its mesenteric attachment, cutting off its blood supply. This condition can lead to ischemia and necrosis of the affected segment if not promptly treated.

The symptoms of volvulus can include:

1. Severe abdominal pain
2. Nausea and vomiting
3. Abdominal distension
4. Constipation or obstipation

Volvulus is considered a surgical emergency. Treatment often involves surgical intervention to untwist the intestine and remove any necrotic portions. In some cases, this may result in the creation of an ostomy to divert fecal flow and allow the affected area to heal.

Understanding the causes and complications of severe bowel obstructions is key. It shows why some people need ostomy surgery. Conditions like mechanical obstruction and volvulus highlight the complex medical issues that can lead to the need for a colostomy bag or other ostomy solutions.

Why Do People Have a Colostomy Bag: Temporary vs. Permanent Solutions

Knowing why someone needs a colostomy bag is key. It can be for a short time or forever. The choice depends on the medical issue and how it’s treated.

Conditions Suitable for Temporary Ostomies

Temporary ostomies help the bowel heal from injury, infection, or surgery. They’re used for severe diverticulitis, bowel obstruction, or abdominal trauma. Once healed, the colostomy is closed.

Common reasons for temporary colostomies:

• Severe diverticulitis
• Bowel obstruction
• Traumatic abdominal injury
• Inflammatory bowel disease flare-ups

Situations Requiring Permanent Diversion

Permanent colostomies are for serious cases like advanced colorectal cancer or severe inflammatory bowel disease. They’re also for certain birth defects. In these cases, the colostomy is a permanent waste solution.

The following table summarizes the key differences between temporary and permanent colostomies:

In conclusion, whether a colostomy bag is temporary or permanent depends on the medical condition and treatment. Knowing the difference helps patients adjust better to their situation.

Living with an Ostomy: Physical Adaptation and Care

For those with an ostomy, knowing how to care for their stoma is key. It’s not just about adapting physically. It’s also about learning to manage the ostomy bag well.

Daily Management of Colostomy Bags

Managing a colostomy bag every day needs focus and a routine. Proper hygiene is a must; clean the stoma and skin around it gently with mild soap and water.

Empty the bag when it’s one-third to one-half full to avoid leaks. Also, change the ostomy appliance every 2-4 days, or as your healthcare provider advises.

Preventing Complications

Stopping complications is vital in ostomy care. Watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or pain around the stoma. Also, prevent skin irritation.

By following these tips and staying informed, people with an ostomy can avoid problems. This helps them keep a good quality of life.

Psychological and Social Aspects of Ostomy Surgery

Living with an ostomy is more than just adjusting physically. It also requires mental strength and support from others. The path with an ostomy comes with many emotional and social hurdles.

Body Image and Self-Esteem Challenges

Ostomy surgery can deeply affect how you see yourself. The presence of a stoma and the need for a colostomy bag can make you feel self-conscious. Many worry about their ostomy being seen under clothes or fear of odor and leaks.

Common challenges include:

• Adjusting to a new body image
• Managing the emotional impact of an ostomy
• Dealing with societal perceptions and stigma

As one ostomy patient shared, “

It’s not just about the physical change; it’s about how you perceive yourself and how you think others perceive you.

“

Support Resources and Communities

But, there are many support groups and resources to help. They offer guidance, emotional support, and a sense of belonging.

Some key support resources include:

1. Ostomy support groups, both online and in-person
2. Counseling and therapy services
3. Educational materials and workshops

Using these resources can make managing your ostomy easier. It can also improve your life quality. A support group leader said, “

The journey with an ostomy is easier when you’re not alone.

“

Conclusion: Understanding the Medical Necessity of Colostomy Procedures

Colostomy procedures are needed for many health issues in the colon and rectum. It’s important to know why people use colostomy bags. This helps us understand the seriousness of these health problems.

There are many reasons why someone might need a colostomy bag. These include colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, and even injuries or birth defects. These conditions often require surgery to create an ostomy. This surgery helps people with severe bowel problems.

Looking into why people use colostomy bags shows they are more than a solution. They are a critical need for many. The choice to have surgery often comes from serious health issues that affect how waste is removed.

Colostomy bags help people manage their health better, making their lives better. Knowing why people need them helps us understand the importance of these surgeries. It also shows the need to support those who have them.

FAQ

References

1. Colostomy/Ileostomy Care Guidelines. Connecticut Department of Developmental Services. https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/dds/health/nursing_delegation/colostomyileostomycare.doc